July 12: What Happened on This Day in History
July 12th marks the 193rd day of the Gregorian calendar year (or the 194th in case of leap years). There are 172 days remaining until the end of the year.
Discover what happened on July 12th in history, famous birthdays on July 12th, celebrities died on this day, the day of the week and the zodiac sign associated to July 12.
What happened on July 12?
Here's what happened on July 12th in history:
- 2021: The top U.S. military commander in Afghanistan announced plans to step down, signaling a significant transition in the ongoing military withdrawal and marking a pivotal moment in the two-decade-long conflict.
- 2008: On July 12, 2008, North Korea agreed to allow international inspectors to verify the shutdown of its main nuclear reactor at Yongbyon. This concession was part of ongoing negotiations aimed at denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula. source: cnbc.com
- 2002: On July 12, 2002, Ontario became the first province in Canada to legalize same-sex marriage, a landmark decision that paved the way for broader acceptance of LGBTQ+ rights in the country. The ruling was celebrated by advocates for equality. source: cbc.ca
- 1995: A severe heat wave struck the Midwest, particularly affecting Chicago, where temperatures soared above 100°F, leading to over 700 heat-related deaths within a week. source: washingtonpost.com
- 1994: President Bill Clinton addressed the citizens of Berlin, celebrating the end of the city's division and proclaiming 'Berlin is free,' symbolizing the triumph of democracy and unity. source: clintonwhitehouse6.archives.gov
- 1990: On July 12, 1990, Boris Yeltsin, then president of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, resigned from the Soviet Communist Party during the 28th Congress. He stated that, as the highest elected figure in the republic, he could not fulfill only the instructions of the CPSU, emphasizing his responsibility toward the people of Russia and the move toward a multiparty state. This decision led to a significant split within the party, with several other delegates, including Leningrad Mayor Anatoly Sobchak, also announcing their departure to form a new political organization. source: washingtonpost.com
- 1985: On July 12, 1985, President Ronald Reagan underwent surgery after being diagnosed with colon cancer. The discovery was made during a routine examination, leading to a successful operation that removed a cancerous polyp. Reagan's health scare raised awareness about colon cancer and the importance of early detection. source: history.com
- 1981: In July 1981, torrential rains caused severe flooding in Sichuan province, China, resulting in significant casualties and property damage. The Yangtze River experienced its worst flood in a century, inundating cities like Chongqing and affecting millions of people. The floods led to widespread destruction, including the collapse of bridges and the inundation of homes and farmland. source: upi.com
- 1977: On July 12, 1977, NASA's Space Shuttle Enterprise conducted its first free flight test, marking a significant milestone in the development of the Space Shuttle program. The test involved the Enterprise being released from a Boeing 747 carrier aircraft to glide unpowered, demonstrating its aerodynamics and handling characteristics. source: nasa.gov
- 1966: The Chicago Race Riot erupted on July 12, 1966, following racial tensions and violence in the city. The unrest highlighted the ongoing struggles for civil rights and racial equality in America during the 1960s. source: britannica.com
What famous birthdays are on July 12?
On July 12th there are the following famous birthdays:
![Bill Cosby]()
Bill Cosby (1937)Bill Cosby is an American comedian, actor, and producer notable for his influence on the entertainment industry, especially in television during the latter half of the 20th century. He achieved fame with his stand-up routines, roles in television series such as 'I Spy' and, most famously, as the creator and star of 'The Cosby Show.' In the 2010s, Cosby's reputation … [bio]
![Jennifer Saunders]()
Jennifer Saunders (1958)Jennifer Saunders is an acclaimed English comedian, actress, and screenwriter, best known for co-creating and starring in the popular sitcom 'Absolutely Fabulous.' A pioneering figure in British comedy, Saunders has garnered numerous accolades for her writing and performance, notably for her collaborations with Dawn French. [bio]
![Anna Friel]()
Anna Friel (1976)Anna Friel is an English actress best known for her roles in television, film, and on stage. She gained international recognition for her portrayal of Charlotte 'Chuck' Charles in the television series 'Pushing Daisies' and has enjoyed a diverse career in both the UK and the US. [bio]
![Richard Simmons]()
Richard Simmons (1948)Richard Simmons is an American fitness expert, actor, and media personality, best known for his energetic, flamboyant persona and his influential role in making fitness accessible to a mass audience through videos and TV appearances. He became a household name in the 1980s for his 'Sweatin' to the Oldies' aerobic workout tapes and regular presence on talk shows and game … [bio]
![Milton Berle]()
Milton Berle (1908)Milton Berle was a pioneering American comedian and actor, widely recognized as one of the first major stars of television and nicknamed 'Mr. Television' for his immense impact on the medium in its early era. [bio]
![Brian Grazer]()
Brian Grazer (1951)Brian Grazer is an acclaimed American film and television producer. He is best known for co-founding Imagine Entertainment with Ron Howard and producing a wide range of popular films and television shows. Grazer has received numerous awards, including an Academy Award for Best Picture for 'A Beautiful Mind.' [bio]
![Cheryl Ladd]()
Cheryl Ladd (1951)Cheryl Ladd is an American actress, singer, and author best known for her role as Kris Munroe in the television series 'Charlie's Angels'. She became a prominent figure in American pop culture during the late 1970s and has maintained a successful entertainment career in television, film, and music. [bio]
![Topher Grace]()
Topher Grace (1978)Topher Grace is an American actor best known for his role as Eric Forman on the hit television sitcom "That '70s Show" and for playing Eddie Brock/Venom in the film "Spider-Man 3." [bio]
![Phoebe Tonkin]()
Phoebe Tonkin (1989)Phoebe Tonkin is an Australian actress and model best known for her roles in popular television series such as 'H2O: Just Add Water,' 'The Secret Circle,' and 'The Originals.' She has gained international recognition for her work in both Australian and American television. [bio]
![Phil Lord]()
Phil Lord (1975)Phil Lord is an American filmmaker, producer, and screenwriter, best known for his creative partnership with Christopher Miller and their work on animated and live-action films, including 'Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs', 'The Lego Movie', and 'Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse'. [bio]
How to check someone's birthday?
If you’re looking for a person's birth date, have a look at our Birthday Search Guide
Who died on July 12?
On July 12th the following celebrities died:
![Kelly Preston]()
Kelly Preston (2020)Kelly Preston was an American actress and model, best known for her roles in films such as 'Twins', 'Jerry Maguire', and 'For Love of the Game'. She appeared in over 60 television and film productions in a career spanning more than three decades. [bio]
![Harvey Pekar]()
Harvey Pekar (2010)Harvey Pekar was an American underground comic book writer best known for his autobiographical series 'American Splendor.' His work chronicled daily life and the struggles of ordinary people, earning widespread acclaim for its realism and honesty. [bio]
![Kenneth More]()
Kenneth More (1982)Kenneth More was a prominent English actor renowned for his roles in classic British films and television throughout the mid-20th century. He achieved widespread popularity for his performances in the 1950s and 1960s, becoming one of Britain's most recognisable and beloved screen personalities. [bio]
![Theodore Roosevelt]()
![Gusti Huber]()
![Gertrude Bell]()
Gertrude Bell (1926)Gertrude Bell was a British writer, traveler, political officer, administrator, and archaeologist who played a major role in the...
![Amar Bose]()
Amar Bose (2013)Founder of Bose Corporation, renowned American engineer and entrepreneur who revolutionized audio technology and speaker design.
![Minnie Riperton]()
Minnie Riperton (1979)Renowned soul singer famous for her extraordinary five-octave vocal range and her iconic hit song 'Lovin' You', who tragically passed away...
![Sherwood Schwartz]()
Sherwood Schwartz (2011)Famous American television producer and writer known for creating iconic sitcoms 'The Brady Bunch' and 'Gilligan's Island', which became...
![François Furet]()
François Furet (1997)Renowned French historian and academic who specialized in the French Revolution, elected to the French Academy in 1997.
What day of the year is July 12?
July 12th marks the 193rd day of the year in the Gregorian calendar (or the 194th in case of leap years).
There are 172 days remaining until the end of the year.
July 12th is the 12th day of the month of July.
What day of the week is July 12?
On July 12th, 2026 the day of the week is Sunday.
| July | 2026 | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat | Sun |
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | ||
| 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 |
| 13 | 14 | 15 | 16 | 17 | 18 | 19 |
| 20 | 21 | 22 | 23 | 24 | 25 | 26 |
| 27 | 28 | 29 | 30 | 31 | ||
What zodiac sign is associated with the day July 12?
The zodiac sign associated with July 12th is Cancer according to the Western Zodiac.
